With ASKAR SHEIBANI

CEO, Comtek Network Systems UK Ltd & Chair DBF

One of the nations I admire most is Iceland. It has a population of about 340,000 and managed to bounce back very quickly from its 2008 financial crisis.

Its tourism industry contributed to nearly half of its income and massively helped the economic recovery. This nation is totally self-reliant and expects no hand-outs from the EU or any other nations.

They have managed to create one of the most highly educated and prosperous populations. Their GDP per capita is one of the highest in Europe according to Eurostat. The 2017 Social Progress Index ranked Iceland as third out of 127 countries when it comes to quality of life.

What can North Wales learn from Iceland to speed up its recovery from the post-pandemic economic recession?

North Wales has a population of about 700,000. Just like Iceland, it has great riches in culture and a breath-taking landscape. However, unlike Iceland, North Wales receives massive financial aids from the UK government and the EU.

North Wales has direct access to London, one of the world's most successful capitals and financial hubs. Liverpool, Manchester and their international airports connect North Wales to major economies. Holyhead port connects the world to North Wales via sea links. Surely nothing should be able to stop North Wales from bouncing back into a prosperous economy?

North Wales has all the resources and advantages to become a self-reliant economy. It must embark on an ambitious plan to revive and grow.

I am convinced, we can transform this region to an economically prosperous one. However, the population needs to have self-belief.

We also need strong, politically independent leadership within which the private sector plays a central role.

Our private sector can contribute its skills, passion, independence, patriotism and links to a worldwide network. Unfortunately, too much political interference and tribalism have, in the past, derailed many economic and infrastructure developments in North Wales.

Only a truly independent leadership can create a united North Wales. The business community will work with all political parties enthusiastically, as long as their political ideologies do not create barriers to economic and social progress.

I have recently been very encouraged by some of our local politicians, especially the new Members of Parliament, who have demonstrated an eagerness to connect with the business community in North Wales.

They are showing the much-needed energy and enthusiasm. I feel that there is an atmosphere of determination and the urge to work together to create an economy that will best serve the citizens of North Wales.